Affordable housing developer makes first foray into CT
Affordable housing developer makes first foray into CT The Connecticut Mirror
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Affordable Housing Developer Upgrades Property in Manchester, Connecticut
A New York City-based affordable housing developer, Camber Property Group, has made its first entry into Connecticut by upgrading a property in Manchester. The company recently closed on Oakland Heights, a $23 million, 106-unit complex, and signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure the project remains affordable for the next 20 years.
Preservation of Affordable Housing
Camber Property Group aims to preserve affordable housing and extend the eligibility beyond the initial 20-year period. According to Rick Gropper, principal and cofounder of Camber, the company wants to ensure that people can continue to stay in their apartments and maintain affordability.
The Oakland Heights complex operates under the project-based Section 8 program, which means that all units are 100% affordable and tenants receive government assistance to cover rent.
HUD Contracts for Affordable Housing
In Connecticut, there are currently 441 properties with contracts from HUD to provide affordable housing through project-based Section 8. Out of these, 256 properties are 100% affordable, according to Bruce Brodoff, a HUD spokesperson.
Government Support for Project-Based Section 8
The federal government has increased its support for project-based Section 8 through the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. This program, initiated during the Obama administration and expanded under the Trump administration, converts public housing into project-based Section 8 through public-private partnerships.
President Biden’s administration recently issued new guidance on the RAD program, including requirements for resident engagement and higher energy efficiency standards.
Engaging Residents and Housing Preservation
Camber Property Group prioritizes resident engagement and has established resident councils in many of their buildings. They also take advantage of HUD grants, such as the $85 million available for housing production and preservation, to address barriers to affordable housing, including restrictive zoning ordinances.
Connecticut faces the risk of losing thousands of units of affordable housing due to an aging housing stock. The state lacks tens of thousands of affordable housing units for its lowest income renters, according to estimates from the National Housing Preservation Database.
Sustainability Upgrades and Future Expansion
The Oakland Heights apartments consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. As part of the upgrade, Camber Property Group plans to perform deferred maintenance and make sustainability upgrades, such as installing LED lighting and improving energy efficiency. The company aims to complete the work within a year.
Rick Gropper expressed excitement about Camber’s entry into Connecticut and mentioned their interest in expanding to other cities like New Haven or Bridgeport. As a regional company with properties in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, Camber Property Group currently manages approximately 9,000 units.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
- Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
– Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
– Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
– Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
– Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.
These indicators can be used to measure the progress of ensuring access to affordable housing, sustainable urbanization, energy efficiency improvement, and climate change integration.
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Source: ctmirror.org
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